Driver still in hospital after car-truck crash

July 19, 2013News Extra

MIDDLESEX TWP — A Valencia man remains hospitalized today with serious injuries he suffered Wednesday afternoon when a large boom truck crushed his car in a collision on Route 228.

Charles D. Cain, 65, was flown by medical helicopter to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh after the crash about 3:10 p.m.

His condition was not known, but township police described his injuries as “severe.”

Police said they continue to investigate the wreck that happened when William Stitt, 47, of Cabot lost control of his westbound bucket utility truck, crossed into the opposing lane and hit an embankment.

The truck, owned by Gibsonia-based Consolidated Communications, traveled back onto the road and hit the Mazda sedan that Cain was driving east, investigators said.

The heavy truck, estimated to weigh 25 tons, rolled over top of the car, pinning Cain.

Saxonburg volunteer firefighters had to cut off the roof to reach Cain. It took 30 to 40 minutes to get him out of the car.

He was conscious and alert, but in pain and bleeding when rescuers got him out of the car, said Chief Chris Ballina of the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company.

Rescuers said Cain suffered compound fractures to his right leg, facial cuts and other injuries.